FJC is offering these recommendations of critical nonprofit organizations providing relief and recovery during the winter storms that are affecting Texas and other southern states unaccustomed to extreme weather.
We invite you to review this Disaster Profile from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, as an excellent primer on the impacts of the storm. They note, “Unlike many natural disasters, the loss of homes due to Uri and Viola is minimal. However, the impact on infrastructure, especially power grids and water systems, is immense.”
Funds
Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) EIN: 45-5257937 has a Disaster Recovery Fund that has a category for U.S. Winter Storms. In addition to awarding grants for specific emergencies, the CDP Disaster Recovery Fund makes strategic investments in research, preparedness, and planning, fully demonstrating the value of a streamlined, long-term approach.
Communities Foundation of Texas – EIN: 75-0964565 – CFT has launched a North Texas Winter Weather Crisis Relief Fund which has a goal of providing emergency assistance and long-term recovery needs related to the weather crisis in North Texas.
Multi-state Nonprofits
American Red Cross – EIN: 53-0196605 – ARC provides emergency disaster relief including shelters, meals and snacks, health and mental health support, clean-up supplies, hygiene kits and more to communities affected by disasters. They have over 150 congregate shelters open (across several states) and are providing feeding and safe shelter.
Salvation Army – EIN: 22-2406433 Provides logistical supply chain management getting food, water and blankets into communities, coordinating deliveries from food banks and operating warming centers.
Food Banks
Southeast Texas Food Bank – EIN: 76-0338721 (Beaumont area – mostly urban area with significant poverty)
Houston Food Bank – EIN: 74-2181456 (Greater Houston area – largest food bank and serves as hub for three other smaller, regional food banks)
Central Texas Food Bank – EIN: 74-2217350 (Austin area)
North Texas Food Bank – EIN: 75-1785357 (Dallas area)
Local / Grassroots Efforts
CrowdSource Rescue – (EIN: 47-1963607. Note: make donation to their fiscal sponsor Outdoorsmen in Action and specify “funds are designated for CrowdSource Rescue”) Organizing a quick reaction to senior citizens facing dangerous temperature during the Texas freeze. The operation is two-fold: 1) transport vulnerable populations to a safe place and 2) deliver food, water, and other needed supplies.
RAICES – The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services – EIN: 74-2436920 – Promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. Programs include legal services, social programs, bond assistance, and an advocacy team focused on changing the narrative around immigration in this country.
West Street Recovery – EIN: 82-2708194 – Grassroots organization in Houston, TX which was born out of the recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey to build community power. Their driving principle is to work together with community members, not for them, or on their behalf.
